The best overnight bags, according to Melbourne stylist Jade Leung

Overnight bags that fit it all.

You never think you need a good overnight bag until you do. Every once in a while, a weekend away, a work trip or a cheap flight that only allows carry-on will sneak up, and you’ll be wishing you were better prepared.

For Melbourne-based stylist Jade Leung, her job can take her anywhere at a moment’s notice. From rural work trips in the outback to a fashion set where she needs at least 50 outfits to choose between, Jade knows a thing or two about choosing the right overnight bag.

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Sometimes, she needs to walk a fine line between practical and chic, while on other days, she can get away with an old tried and tested favourite. But either way, her overnight bags need to fit the essentials.

Prada Packing Cubes

I can’t remember taking a trip, no matter how great or small, without these packing cubes. My Mum got the entire family a set of these when I was around 14 years old and they’ve come on every single travelling experience I’ve had since. These Prada cubes have been with me from trips that span several months to just overnight trips, and they fit in just about every travel bag or suitcase.

Acne Studios Musubi

Originally, I got this big Musubi shoulder bag from Acne Studios because I loved my mini Musubi so much, but found I couldn’t fit a drink bottle in it while travelling. So I upsized! It’s my day-to-day work bag, but lately, I’ve been taking it on work trips as it fits my packing cube full of clothes, as well as a smaller handbag in case of events and dinners that don’t require a giant bag. Right now, I’m loving the P.A.M Tarot Bag (which also happens to be reversible).

But what I love the most about my giant Musubi is that I can always just throw a random assortment of things in. I accumulate a lot throughout the day or on set, and everything always seems to fit.

Balenciaga Carry All

One of my favourite overnight bags is my (Alexander Wang era) Balenciaga Carry All. This bag has expandable zips on the side and the perfect shoulder strap to fit all my overnight needs. I love compartmentalising, so this is the perfect day tripper and carry-on flight bag. Plus, it means I can arrive with a one-bag-wonder that is sturdy, can take a few knocks and looks chic, all at the same time.

Carhartt Overnight Bag

For my tiny home trips, or more rugged overnight stays, I call on my tried, tired and true Carhartt bag. It’s the most hard-wearing bag and fits a lot more than you’d imagine (cut to me filling this with over 40 pairs of shoes for a shoot on a rural location). This bag has been with me since my mid-twenties and there is no sign of it wearing out.

Delsey Suitcase

This suitcase has a touch of sentimental value, as it was a wedding gift from my parents when I got married. It’s a Chinese tradition for parents to gift their daughters a suitcase with things they can carry through their new life with their new family and environment – almost like a dowry.

My parents are somewhat modern and although we no longer believe in the idea of giving a daughter away per se, I cherish the idea of tradition and customs. It’s now my go-to travel companion as it’s light and not over-the-top big. Most importantly, it’s fit over 50 looks for a shoot, as well as my packing cubes. I’ve used it mostly for work-related travel, but I’m excited to take this on a personal overseas trip soon.

Keep up with Jade here.